ABOUT PEIThe Public Education Initiative (PEI) is a joint project of the Jewish Community
Relations Council of Greater Dallas (JCRC) and the Institute for Curriculum Services: National Resource Center for Accurate Jewish Content in Schools (ICS). PEI OBJECTIVESTo secure content accuracy in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) social
studies curriculum standards that reference Jews, Judaism, and Israel. To promote content accuracy about Jews, Judaism, and Israel in textbooks and instructional materials used in Texas classrooms. To foster a better understanding of and appreciation for Jewish contributions to Western civilization, history, culture, and the world’s religions. To offer resources, consultation, and/or workshops for Texas teachers and curriculum writers to help them develop interesting and accurate lessons and materials vis-à-vis TEKS standards that reference or relate to Jews, Judaism, Israel, and the impact of religion on culture. To develop a network of individuals to become advocates for local Texas public schools. (See Jewish Community Workshops). TO ACHIEVE PEI OBJECTIVESPEI advocates for accuracy in standards referencing Jews, Judaism, and Israel
at the State Board of Education (SBOE) and the Texas State Legislature. (See Educator Workshops). PEI develops and distributes accurate Jewish content resources to educational professionals at the state Texas Education Agency (TEA), regional Education Service Centers (ESCs), and local school district levels. (See Educator Workshops and Educator Resource Library). PEI provides workshops and presentations for education professionals at state, regional, and local school district levels. (See Educator Workshops and Educator Resource Library). PEI provides presentations to parents, educators, and other stakeholders within the Jewish community to raise awareness about PEI’s work. (See Jewish Community Workshops). | CONTACT PEIPEI keeps all information confidential and does not share it with any other organization.
If you are an education official or education professional: Pat Epstein Education Liaison Public Education Initiative 512.906.1737 (Office) 972.849.5001 (Cell) pepstein@jfgd.org Note: Pat Epstein is located in Austin, Texas. She works with educational professionals at all levels throughout the state. If you are a member of the Jewish community: June Penkar Outreach Liaison Public Education Initiative 214.615.5233 (Office) jpenkar@jfgd.org Note: June Penkar is located in Dallas, Texas. She works with Jewish community members and organizations. Marlene Gorin Executive Director Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Dallas 214.615.5229 mgorin@jfgd.org www.jcrcdallas.org |
ABOUT THE JEWISH COMMUNITY RELATIONS COUNCIL OF GREATER DALLAS
The JCRC of Greater Dallas is the central umbrella agency for all the Jewish organizations, agencies and religious institutions in Dallas. The goals of the JCRC are formed by Jewish values and pursued in a non-partisan manner. The JCRC’s mission is to plan, coordinate, and implement an effective program of positive community and public relations both within the Jewish community and between the Jewish and the general community of greater Dallas; to promote mutual understanding and respect among all of the people of Dallas so that all may enjoy their rights and opportunities; to develop effective public information and educational programs relating to issues affecting the Jewish community; to cooperate with other agencies on a local, regional and national level whose activities are consistent with the overall purposes of the JCRC; and to strengthen and promote a better understanding of the special relationship between the United States and Israel. To reach these goals, the JCRC advocates on issues of Jewish communal concern; builds, maintains and joins coalitions to promote effective action and opportunities for community involvement; and convenes the community in times of crisis, celebration, and commemoration.
ABOUT ICS
The Institute for Curriculum Services: National Resource Center for Accurate Jewish Content in Schools (ICS) is a national project of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) and the San Francisco-based Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC). ICS was launched in 2005 to promote accurate instructional materials about Jews, Judaism, and Israel nationwide. Through JCPA’s network of 125 JCRCs and 14 national agencies, ICS partners with Jewish communities throughout the country to review education standards, policies, and materials and to provide advice on instructional materials and assistance with state textbook adoptions.
ICS works with policymakers, education officials, educators, and publishers to affect change. ICS reviews social studies textbooks; develops and disseminates curricula that reflect state standards relating to Jews, Judaism, Jewish history, and Israel; and provides K-12 teacher training.
Texas educators can access a wide range of curricular resource materials about Jews, Judaism, and Israel for classroom use at www.icsresources.org.
ICS works with policymakers, education officials, educators, and publishers to affect change. ICS reviews social studies textbooks; develops and disseminates curricula that reflect state standards relating to Jews, Judaism, Jewish history, and Israel; and provides K-12 teacher training.
Texas educators can access a wide range of curricular resource materials about Jews, Judaism, and Israel for classroom use at www.icsresources.org.
